TEMPTATION

When a man is tempted, has he sinned? Progression leads to sin: “… each one is tempted when by his own evil desire,
he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full
grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15) When a man resists sin under the trial of temptation, when he has stood
the test, he is blessed and he will receive the crown of life. (verse 12)
Jesus was tempted in all ways just like we are, but He did not sin (I Peter 2:22). To set the heart on an evil desire is
translated lust in some versions, meaning to have an intense, continuing and violent desire or craving (Greek, ).
Danger is in the progression of evil desire because it can lead to sin. For example: It is dangerous when a man persists
in gazing lustfully upon an immodestly dressed woman, or when he habitually looks at pornography in books, videos, TV, magazines, internet, etc. A man may “commit adultery … in his heart.” (Mt 5:28) Peter spoke of some having “eyes full of adultery” (2 Peter 2:14). Lust, an evil impulse, is not sin unless man yields to it and obeys it (Prov 10:24; Phil 1:23; I Thes 2:17). Sin is the child of the surrendered will to satan’s allurements.
Ask for booklet on temptation.

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